Apple May Launch Base M5 MacBook Pro in Late 2025, M5 Air and Pro/Max Models to Follow in 2026 [Report]

Details from the development of macOS Tahoe have surfaced, shedding new light on Apple's Mac roadmap for late 2025 and into 2026, according to a report from AppleInsider. Sources familiar with hardware testing say a new base model M5 MacBook Pro is getting close to launch, kicking off what's expected to be a steady rollout of M5-powered Macs next year.

A Mac identified as J704 is said to be nearing release and is being tested with a hardware-specific version of macOS Tahoe, build 26.0.2. That lines up with limited availability of the current M4 MacBook Pro and a recent FCC filing pointing to an imminent update — likely arriving before the end of 2025.

The next phase will come in early 2026. Apple is preparing M5 MacBook Air models, known internally as J813 and J815, to ship with macOS 26.2. They're expected to keep the same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes as the current generation. Earlier reports already suggested that Apple was nearing the launch of the new M5 MacBook Air, and this latest leak backs that up.


After the Air, Apple will turn its attention to the high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros (J714 and J716). Those are expected to arrive with macOS 26.3 in early 2026. The OS also references another unreleased Mac, codenamed J700, which some reports have tied to a new low-cost MacBook.

Further out, updated Mac mini (J873s and J873g) and Mac Studio (J775c and J775d) models — along with what could be a new iMac (J833ct) — are in the works for summer 2026, potentially launching with macOS 26.4. AppleInsider's sources also mention redesigned M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pros, known as K114 and K116, featuring a slimmer chassis and OLED display. Those are expected to follow the M5 generation, aligning with earlier rumors of a major MacBook Pro redesign planned for late 2026 or early 2027.

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